The Sticky Wicket in Antigua was filled with cheers, bursts of applause and spontaneous outbreaks of song last night as a very appreciative and proud group of people watched the Antigua premiere of “Fire In Babylon”, the documentary which chronicles the West Indies’ triumph over its colonial masters through the achievements of one of the most gifted teams in sporting history.

WI Captain Darren Sammy Presents Byron Derrick With the BlackBerry Bold That He Won

Digicel premiered Fire in Babylon in each host country during the Digicel Series 2011 West Indies vs. Pakistan, and will do the same for the West Indies vs. India Series 2011 as part of their mission to find new and exciting ways to bring the full experience and excitement of the game to everyone.

Roughly 100 VIPs and special invited guests – including the Honourable Minister of Finance and Economy Harold Lovell, Doctor the Honourable Minister of Education Jacqui Quinn-Leandro and the West Indies team – viewed the film in the Sticky Wicket while another 100 watched the show from the stands on big screens. The event’s attendees were captivated by the story which has been hailed as “compelling” by The Times (UK); “explosive” by The Daily Mail (UK); and “a visceral and evocative film” by TimeOut, London. The 82-minute, action-packed piece was punctuated by gasps, expressions of delight, laughter, and sing-a-longs from the enthusiastic and clearly inspired crowd.

Desmond Haynes and Colin Bones Cumberbatch Discuss The Film

Antiguan legendary fast bowler, Andy Roberts, was in attendance, as well as Colin ‘Bones’ Cumberbatch and King Frank-I, who are all featured in the powerful story. Desmond Haynes was also on hand, and watched his appearance in the film.

“Excellent movie!” commented Andy Roberts who saw it for the first time. “Although words and pictures can never adequately express what we experienced during that time, especially in England, I think it captured a lot of what we went through, and I’m glad to have been a part of that unforgettable piece of history.”

“Digicel is thrilled to have showcased this amazing documentary in Antigua,” said John Delves, General Manager for Digicel Antigua & Barbuda. “The obvious pride and inspiration that Fire In Babylon provoked from this group here tonight is indicative of the unwavering love that Antiguans and Barbudans have for West Indies cricket. Having Antigua’s own cricket legends Sir Vivian Richards and Andy Roberts included so prominently in the movie only served to excite them even more. This was a fantastic evening and we are proud to have been a part of it.”

Tizzy of Antiguan Band El-A-Kru (centre) Poses With Digi Girls

Fire In Babylon is now available on DVD and Blu-Ray. Fans can also download it or watch it on-demand. Ten copies of the DVD were given to attendees in a random prize draw along with a BlackBerry Bold.